According to the first available data from the eVisitor system, which registers the tourist traffic in commercial and non-commercial facilities and nautical charters, on this day, Croatia has registered 20,013,805 arrivals (+ 5 percent) and 107,031,617 overnight stays (+ 2 percent), which for the first time exceeded the number of 20 million tourist arrivals in a single year. At the same time, on this day for the first time the number of 107 million overnight stays at the level of the entire Croatia has been surpassed.
"Croatian tourism has reached new heights over the last few years, numerous new high-quality accommodation facilities have opened their doors, new offers were generated, and tourism has really become a real generator of economic development. This historic result, this challenging tourist year in which we have exceeded 20 million tourist arrivals for the first time ever, is proof and confirmation of quality synergy between the public and private sectors without which such results would not have been possible. The Government of the Republic of Croatia is aware of the importance of tourism and therefore we are continuously working on strengthening the competitiveness of tourism in cooperation with stakeholders in the tourist system in order for Croatian tourism to be the example of quality and success in the future. I believe that this record will be the driving force behind anyone who wishes to further develop Croatian tourism", said the Minister of Tourism, Gari Cappelli.
"Having exceeded last year’s tourist traffic numbers in October, these historic 20 million tourist arrivals further confirm the strength and stability of the Croatian tourism sector, which in this very challenging year has reached new excellent results. We are facing a challenging 2020, a year in which our goal will be to keep positive trends, and the confirmation that we can achieve that are the numerous partners we talked to at one of the world's largest tourist fairs - WTM in London, but also at China's largest import fair - China’s International Import Expo, which is currently being held in Shanghai, " said the Director of the CNTB, Kristjan Staničić, adding that a large number of tour operators and airlines have announced a broader programme for Croatia for next year.
So far this year, most overnight stays came from the German, Croatian, Slovenian, Austrian, Polish, Italian, Czech and UK markets, while from non-European countries most overnight stays came from the American, Australian, Canadian, South Korean and Chinese markets. As for the destinations, Dubrovnik, Rovinj, Poreč, Split and Medulin registered the most overnight stays.